Minor
About Animation and Illustration (Minor Only) at CSUSB
The Animation and Illustration minor at Cal State San Bernardino provides students with a creative and technical foundation in character design, storyboarding, digital illustration, and animation workflows.
Through hands-on studio courses and digital media training, students explore the principles of visual storytelling, motion, composition, and design that shape today’s animation, illustration and entertainment industries.
This minor is designed for students from any major who want to develop artistic skills, expand their portfolio, or prepare for creative careers in media, entertainment, gaming, or visual communication.
Coursework emphasizes both traditional and digital techniques, allowing students to bring ideas to life through drawing, sequential imagery, and animated movement. With access to CSUSB’s digital labs, creative software, and faculty mentorship, students gain a comprehensive introduction to the art and craft of animation and illustration.
Careers in Animation and Illustration (Minor Only)
The Animation and Illustration minor supports students pursuing visually creative careers across fast-growing industries. With skills in drawing, digital imaging, concept design, and animation, students are well-positioned for a wide range of professional pathways.
Graduates may pursue roles such as:
- 2D animator or motion graphics artist
- Illustrator, character designer, or concept artist
- Storyboard artist for film, television, or advertising
- Digital media artist or visual content creator
- Video game artist or environment designer
- Graphic designer or multimedia specialist
- Creative roles in marketing, communication, and digital production
Sample Courses
Digital Illustration
Students will convert photo references and their own hand-drawn illustrations into stylized vector graphics.
Digital Motion Graphics
Students design video effects and animated sequences, layer and composite video, add video effects to footage, and design motion graphics such as title sequences, lower thirds, and text animations.
Beginning Imaging and Illustration
Combining digital and analogue mediums to explore visual communication. Emphasis on expressive problem solving, story-telling, modeling and rendering.
Meet Alum Felicia Vasquez
Opportunities for Students
Students in the Animation and Illustration minor participate in hands-on coursework and gain access to enriching creative opportunities:
- Studio-based classes that emphasize drawing, motion, and digital and analog art fundamentals
- Training in industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Cloud, animation suites, and digital illustration tools
- Portfolio development guided by faculty mentors to help students prepare for internships, advanced study, or industry roles
- Access to digital labs, drawing studios, and specialized equipment within the Art Department
- Participation in campus exhibitions, student showcases, and creative competitions
- Guest speakers and workshops featuring professional illustrators, animators, and digital media artists
These experiences allow students to build strong artistic identities, experiment across media, and develop the technical and conceptual skills needed in today’s creative industries.
Similar to Animation and Illustration (Minor Only)
With more than 50 undergraduate degrees at CSUSB, we offer a variety of programs that reflect the Coyotes' passion for learning. Check out where your curiosity will take you at CSUSB.
